Invited to bat first in the 25-overs-a-side game after the SLPA chairman and skipper won the toss, the Seatrade squad was rattled by a three-wicket burst by Wickrama, who chose to open the bowling; and never really recovered from the multiple strikes by him and medium-pacer Janesh Ratnadasa.
Two batsmen – young Ana Senanayake (21 not out) and Kalinga De Silva (14) – played outstandingly in a heroic rearguard action that helped Seatrade to reach 81 for eight wickets in 17 overs before the heavens opened up, and caused a two-hour suspension of the tie.
Eventually, despite the drizzle persisting, a brave decision was taken to continue the game in daunting conditions, with the application of the Duckworth-Lewis method. The Seatrade innings was declared closed, and SLPA were invited to chase a total of 29 runs for victory in five overs.
This they achieved with minimal fuss and without losing a wicket in under four overs. After Sajith Fernando and Sampath gave their team a flying start by plundering 16 runs off the opening over, the opening pair sportingly retired, and captain Wickrama took the crease to smash the winning runs, taking the team score to 34 without loss.
There was perforce no contender for the Man of the Match prize other than Priyath Wickrama, who literally led his side from the front. SLPA also scooped the Best Bowler (Janesh Ratnadasa) and Best Fielder (Sajith Fernando, for a stunning running catch) trophies, while Seatrade had the consolation of bagging the Best Batsman (Ana Senanayake, for his gritty unbeaten 21) prize.
Seatrade captain and company chairman Chris Hayman was full of praise for the professional manner in which the SLPA side had played, and heartily congratulated his opposite number on an outstanding performance. He promised to be back next year with a stronger challenge.
After the prize distribution, the entire playing kits used by both teams were donated to two schools – St. Mary’s College and Debrawa National School – located in Hambantota, constituency of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The match, which was held as a precursor to the two-day Sri Lanka Ports, Trades & Logistics Conference, organised by Seatrade and presented by SLPA at the Colombo Hilton, was played in the best of spirits, and is expected to be an annual affair at the same historic venue.
More photos can viewed on the Seatrade Global Facebook page
Brief scores: Seatrade XI 81 for eight wickets in 17 overs (Ana Senanayake 21*, Kalinga De Silva 14, Sunil Gangadharan 9; Priyath Wickrama 3-23, Janesh Ratnadasa 2-11); SLPA XI 34 for no loss (Sajith Fernando 12*, Priyath Wickrama 9*)
Result: SLPA beat Seatrade by ten wickets via D/L method.
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